Judge Paul Ramsey QC said he was suspending Singleton's 12-month sentence for three years stating that his detention would have a "significant impact'' on the health of his mother and his younger brother.

Prosecution lawyer Joseph Murphy told Belfast Crown that street disorder erupted in the centre of Belfast on the evening of August 9 after loyalists mounted a protest over an internment parade.

A group of protesters gathered at the Royal Avenue/North Street junction and when trouble broke out it spread to the nearby Carrick Hill and Peters Hill area.

Mr Murphy said 58 police officers were injured and seven people were arrested.

The court heard that Singleton's involvement in the riot started at 7.04pm and lasted for a total of 37 minutes during which time he threw one stone, a brick, was involved in a sit-down protest and also climbed on top of a bus shelter. He was arrested in February this year after attending for voluntary interview and the court heard he made "full and frank admissions'' to the offences.

Trainee bricklayer Singleton told interviewing officers: "I accept that's me. I had just turned 18. I was foolish. I have let myself down, my family down. I am scared about the consequences.''

Judge Ramsey QC said he received a "large number of testimonies and references'' relating to Singleton's previous good charactor, which stated that he was "very remorseful and ashamed'' for his actions.

One of those references came from former DUP MLA Paul Berry, who said he had known the defendant for six years through the teenager's work with youth groups and cross-community work.

The court heard Singleton's younger brother Ryan suffered from learning difficulties and ADHT. A teacher at his brother's school said Singleton had been a great influence in helping his brother overcome his difficulties.

A report was also handed in from a doctor who said Singleton's mother's depressive mood had worsened since her son's arrest.

Judge Ramsey QC said that given all the information in front of him, he believed the case had met the threshold of "highly exceptional circumstances'' and suspended the 12-month sentence for three years.